Cameras needed, says candidate

Recent vandalism to several Ettalong Beach shopfronts has highlighted the need for the long-awaited Peninsula CCTV project, according to Central Coast First candidate Mr Andrew Tregent.

Mr Tregent said a group of youths caused more than $10,000 worth of damage to a number of shopfronts at Ettalong Beach on August 6.

Mr Tregent is the owner of real estate agent Raine and Horne, which was one of the shopfronts targeted by vandals.

"This latest incident in the Peninsula's ongoing battle with vandalism highlights the immediate need for the Peninsula's CCTV project to be up and running as soon as possible," Mr Tregent said.

"Using glass cutters, the vandals tagged the windows including those of Ettalong

Beach Tobacconist, Raine and Horne and caused$2500 worth of damage to Ettalong Beach Hut Cafe alone.

"Images of the vandals have been captured by one of the businesses' close circuit video cameras."

Mr Tregent said police had sent a fingerprint unit to examine the scene, while the youth liaison officer attended schools to try and identify those responsible.

"Ettalong Beach Hut Cafe has just installed a new window," Mr Tregent said.

"Small businesses can't afford these sorts of blows.

"We need CCTV on the Peninsula now.

"The Attorney General's department announced $680,000 to install 26 CCTV cameras in Umina, Woy Woy and Ettalong CBDs.

"The plan is for the cameras to be monitored at a base station at Gosford police station."

The $680,000 Peninsula CCTV project is funded under the Attorney General's Safer Suburbs Plan and was announced in May this year.

Mr Tregent, who is also a member of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said that active police monitoring is a vital component of the plan.

"It seems to be a permanent campaign of vandalism here on the Peninsula," Mr Tregent said.

Press release, 7 Aug 2008 Andrew Tregent, Central Coast First